News

Greetings!

At our last staff meeting of the year, I asked the team to reflect on a favorite memory from CLCC in 2021 and also share a project that they are most excited about tackling in 2022. While we all had trouble whittling down our respective lists, here are some highlights:

Operations Manager Cristina Hayden: Topping my list is the launch of our new website. I enjoyed integrating all of our communications, as well as offering a more user friendly Resource Library and Land Trust Map. Looking forward, I can’t wait to plan our 2022 Connecticut Land Conservation Conference. I am confident that, like in 2020 and 2021, we will offer a creative and meaningful hybrid program for the land conservation community.

Program Manager Rebecca Dahl: After 18+ months of on-line programming, it felt great to meet in-person at outdoor gatherings. One unforgettable moment was when Yaw and I saw a black bear on our way to a Conservation Conversation at Steep Rock Association’s Johnson Farm Preserve. For 2022, I am excited to convene more regional dialogue sessions around partnerships and inclusive conservation with land trusts and community groups across the state.

Sandy Breslin Conservation Fellow Sylvie Boucher: Planning the Conservation Conversations definitely stands out. I met so many people, visited amazing preserves and parks, and learned about the importance of OSWA, UGCG and Community Investment Act funding. I also enjoyed preparing (the award winning) #LoveYourCTLandTrust eNews. I look forward to celebrating more success stories in 2022.

Project Specialist Yaw Owusu Darko: I was thrilled when we received news that CLCC had been awarded an NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program grant to bring millions of dollars to CT land trusts. It was quite an experience to help write that grant. I look forward to launching the program next year. Another highlight was completing Protecting the Land You Love. Finally, I will never forget releasing a catbird during a staff hike with Kent Land Trust.

For me, it’s all of the above and so much more.

I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with the CLCC staff and our outstanding Board of Directors – as well as land trust, community and regional leaders, advisors, advocates, legislators, and people, like you, who care deeply about making this world a better place now and for future generations.

Your passion and resolve to make a difference fuels my own, each and every day. Thank you!

We can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish together with you in the New Year.